Keegan Bradley is an American golfer from Woodstock, Vermont, ranked around world number 30, with one major championship title, the 2011 PGA Championship at Atlanta Athletic Club. He became the first player to win a major using a belly putter, a distinction that gained additional historical weight when anchored putting was banned by the USGA and R&A in 2016.
Bradley’s career has had distinct chapters. After bursting onto the scene as a rookie major champion in 2011, he endured a long stretch without PGA Tour victories that tested his resolve. He rebuilt his game methodically, eventually returning to the winner’s circle and playing his way back into the world top 50. His swing is compact and repeatable, generating consistent distance without the violent athleticism of the longest hitters. His best attribute may be his competitiveness; Bradley is one of the most intense players on tour, a quality that made him a natural fit for Ryder Cup play and ultimately led to his appointment as 2025 U.S. Ryder Cup captain.
The Ryder Cup captaincy added a new dimension to Bradley’s profile. He is the nephew of Pat Bradley, the LPGA Hall of Famer who won six major championships, and golf runs deep in the family bloodline. His selection as captain was driven in part by his reputation as a passionate team player; his partnership with Phil Mickelson at the 2012 Ryder Cup at Medinah produced some of the most energetic golf the competition has seen, even in a losing American effort. Bradley brings that same fire to his individual game, where his fist pumps and vocal reactions are a constant presence on the course.
In 2026, Bradley’s experience gives him an edge at venues that reward patience and competitive grit. Augusta National is a course he knows well from over a decade of Masters appearances. Aronimink is a classic American layout that suits his steady game. Shinnecock Hills demands mental toughness, a quality he has in abundance. Royal Birkdale will test his ability to manage the ball in wind. He will compete at all four: The Masters, PGA Championship, U.S. Open, and The Open Championship. Fans following from the United States can check tee times in United States time.